Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton held a rally at the Buffalo Transportation Pierce Arrow Museum in downtown Buffalo on Friday afternoon in light of the upcoming New York State Democratic primary on April 19.
Some supporters and protesters were left out in the cold after the Buffalo fire marshal had to close the doors when the museum went over capacity at around 1:30 p.m., but that didn’t stop them from making their feelings known.
Patti Kindron, an administrative assistant of academic services for UB Athletics, was among several Clinton supporters who stood outside. She said she was “freezin’ for a reason” and just happy to support the Democratic frontrunner in any way she could.
“We need a strong woman as our president,” Kindron said. “She’s the most qualified, she’s experienced with internationals and diplomats and I believe in her more than the other candidates.”
Kindron said she’s been waiting a long time for Clinton to become president. She supported Clinton during the 2008 election, where Barack Obama took the nomination and was eventually elected as president.
Clinton’s appearance comes just three days after her husband and former President Bill Clinton spoke at the Grapevine Banquet Hall in Depew, and she is just the first of a few presidential hopefuls making stops in Buffalo in the upcoming week. Fellow Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders will speak at UB in Alumni Arena on Monday and Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump will speak at the First Niagara Center on April 17.
Ericka Hollis, a freshman political science major at UB, was left outside after the fire marshal closed the doors. She and her friends couldn’t get to the event any sooner because they had class.
“I’m upset that we just missed getting in,” she said. “We support Hillary and would have liked to see her.”
But not everyone who stood outside was there in support of Clinton. Protesters held signs, some depicting Clinton with blood on her hands and often referening the Benghazi controversy.
“Hillary Clinton is corrupt,” said Mark Walker, a Grand Island resident. “The Clintons have made millions on the backs of hardworking people. My biggest thing is the [Trans-Pacific Partnership] which Trump wouldn’t allow to pass.”
While some protesting Clinton were Republicans, others were Democrats who simply don’t want to see Clinton get the Democratic nomination.
Mayda Pozantides, a Buffalo resident, is a Sanders supporter like some others who stood outside the rally.
“I’m here to prove that not everyone from around here is for her,” Pozantides said. “I don’t doubt that she would be qualified but she’s not the best solution for everyone.”
The New York state primary will take place on April 19.
Marlee Tuskes is the senior news editor and can be reached at marlee.tuskes@ubspectrum.com. Tori Roseman is the senior features editor and can be reached at tori.roseman@ubspectrum.com.
Photo: Ryan Hagen | UB Athletics
